PLANS to help shape the next generation of sporting success in Mid Cheshire are well under way.

Concern over the condition of dated facilities at Knights Grange Sports Complex in Winsford has prompted Vale Royal Borough Council to agree to revamp the ageing centre.

In 2005, regular users approached the council with their concerns and, after being asked to draw up a wish-list of improvements, formed the Knights Grange User Development Association (KGUDA).

Since then, architects have been brought in and a list of proposed changes from the KGUDA has been submitted.

Now the council is holding consultations and calling for comments from the public after which a final draft of needed improvements can be completed. Repairs to the athletics track and the tennis courts, in particular, will be high on the agenda.

The council's leisure services development manager, Helen Pearce, said: 'We were approached by several clubs who regularly use Knights Grange who had concerns about the condition of some of the facilities.

'They have now had their say on what improvements they think should be made and now we need to know what the general public need as this site caters for everybody.

'It's not just the sports facilities, we want to know whether the pathways and play areas are also suitable.'

The wish-list should be ready by the summer and Ms Pearce said that if applications for funding from the National Lottery and the Sports Council are successful, work could begin late this year or early next.

She said: 'Due to the enormity of the project it is difficult to put a timescale on it but the council is always interested in improving facilities. We are working with the KGUDA and we are committed to keep existing facilities at a high standard.'

The total cost of the project could come to £7m-£8m, and could take three to five years to complete. But until the planning process is complete and funding sought, these costs are purely estimates.

'Money is the next big challenge,' said Ms Pearce.

'We have put aside a small capital pot of £20,000 which has been matched by the town council, but obviously we will have to go through external channels to fund the larger projects.'